A comparative study of oxygen consumption for conventional and energy-storing prosthetic feet in transfemoral amputees.
OBJECTIVE
To compare oxygen consumption for traumatic high-functioning transfemoral amputees wearing initially a conventional prosthetic foot (Multiflex) and then an energy-storing prosthetic foot (Vari-Flex).


METHODS
A regional prosthetic and amputee rehabilitation tertiary referral centre in a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Experimental crossover trial.


METHODS
Six established unilateral transfemoral prosthetic users.


METHODS
Oxygen consumption breath-by-breath analysis at multiple speeds on a treadmill for each amputee wearing initially the Multiflex foot and then repeated wearing the Vari-Flex foot.


RESULTS
Mean oxygen consumption across all subjects was lower for the Vari-Flex foot than for the Multiflex foot at all speeds, although the differences were only significant at speeds of 0.83 and 1.1 m/s (P < 0.05). ANCOVA analysis across all speeds showed that oxygen consumption with the Vari-Flex foot was significantly lower (P < 0.001). The estimated difference across all speeds was 3.54 mL/kg.min.


CONCLUSIONS
A high functioning transfemoral amputee who wears an energy-storing prosthetic foot may have significantly reduced oxygen consumption at normal walking speeds.
Graham
Lorraine E
LE
Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK. lorradam@yahoo.com
Datta
Dipak
D
Heller
Ben
B
Howitt
John
J
D000328:Adult; D000674:Amputees / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016138:Walking